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March 6, 2013

Carly Rae Jepsen Says "No" To The Boy Scouts

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have been spurned again. Gay Eagle Scout Derek Nance started his change.org petition 4 days ago, asking the band Train, and pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen, to join him in denouncing the BSA ban on gay scouts and gay scout leaders. In that short period of time over sixty thousand people signed Derek's petition, while Train and Carly Rae Jepsen, cancelled their appearance at the National Scouting Jamboree.Jepsen announced via Twitter “As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer. I always have and will continue to support the LGBT community on a global level…and stay informed on the ever changing landscape in the ongoing battle for gay rights in this country and across the globe.”I applaud Derek for speaking out, and taking a stand against the anti-gay BSA policies. Derek articulated on his petition, why he was speaking out.

After serving 10 years as a Boy Scout camp leader, I decided I couldn't lie about who I was any longer and came out as gay. Now, because of the Boy Scouts of America's hurtful anti-gay policy I'm no longer allowed to be part of an organization that has been an instrumental part of my life.

Projected attendance for the 2013 National Scouting Jamboree is over 50,000 Boy Scouts, Venturers, volunteers and staff. Among those 50,000 are countless LGBT young people who are forced to hide who they really are, in fear of being kicked out of the organization they love. This has to change.I came out as gay because I realized the best way to help end this dangerous policy is to stand up, speak out, and tell the organization I love to do the right thing. "A Scout is brave", and now I'm asking Carly Rae and Train to join me in standing up for what is right.